San Francisco 49ers quarterbacks Colin Kaepernick and Blaine Gabbert talk on the sideline during an Aug. 26 preseason game against the Green Bay Packers at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif. (Tony Avelar / Associated Press)

Hall of Fame receiver Jerry Rice has jumped into the debate surrounding San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick's decision to sit down during the national anthem this preseason.

"All lives matter," the former 49ers great tweeted Monday night. "So much going on in this world today. Can we all just get along! Colin, I respect your stance but don't disrespect the Flag."

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Kaepernick told reporters last week that he plans to continue his protest against social injustice. "When there's significant change — and I feel like that flag represents what it's supposed to represent, and this country is representing people the way it's supposed to — I'll stand," he said.

Earlier in the day, Harbaugh was asked what he thought about Kaepernick's protest. The ex-49ers coach said of his former player: "I acknowledge his right to do that, but I don't respect the motivation or the action."

Soon after, Harbaugh took part of that statement back on Twitter. "I apologize for misspeaking my true sentiments. To clarify, I support Colin's motivation. It's his method of action that I take exception to," he wrote.

I apologize for misspeaking my true sentiments. To clarify, I support Colin's motivation. It's his method of action that I take exception to

Kaepernick's action has drawn plenty of response from around the football world.

"It's hard for me, because my brother was a Marine, and he lost a lot of friends over there," former 49er Alex Boone, now with the Vikings, told USA Today. "That flag obviously gives [Kaepernick] the right to do whatever he wants. I understand it. At the same time, you should have some … respect for people who served, especially people that lost their life to protect our freedom.

"We're out here playing a game, making millions of dollars. People are losing their life, and you don't have the common courtesy to do that. That just drove me nuts."

On the other side of the spectrum, undrafted Philadelphia rookie linebacker Myke Tavarres told ESPN on Monday he plans on sitting during the anthem before the Eagles' fourth preseason game.

"We've got an issue in this country in this day and age, and I feel like somebody needs to step up, and we all need to step up," he said. "We've got that right. There's just a lot going on that people don't want to talk about, and I feel like us as athletes, we're looked at as role models. And I feel like with Colin Kaepernick, he's doing a great job for standing up in what he believes in, and most people may not like that, but that's his opinion, he's entitled to it, and I respect him for doing it."

Boone spoke to a small group of reporters about Kaepernick following the Vikings' preseason game against San Diego on Sunday, wearing a T-shirt with the name of Chris Kyle on it, the late Navy SEAL veteran portrayed in the movie "American Sniper."

Asked how he would have handled the situation if he were still with the 49ers, Boone said: "See, I'm a very emotional person. So, I think if I had known that, my emotions would've been rolling — I think we would've had a problem on the sideline.

"And I get that he can do whatever he wants. But there's a time and a place. Show some respect, and that's just how I feel."

Players around the NFL had plenty to say about Kaepernick's protest this weekend. Another former 49er, Lions receiver Anquan Boldin, said he supports his ex-teammate.

"I respect everybody's opinion," Boldin said. "Everybody has one. I'm sure he's going to get flack for it, what he did, but that's the great thing about being in America, you have that option."

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Others in the NFL say they understand what Kaepernick is trying to do, but don't necessarily agree with how he's going about it.

New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz said: "I think, personally, the flag is the flag. Regardless of how you feel about the things that are going on in America today and the things that are going on across the world with gun violence and things like that. You've got to respect the flag and stand up with your teammates. It's bigger than just you, in my opinion."

He added: "Colin is his own man. He decided to sit down and sit out and that's his prerogative. But from a personal standpoint, I think you have to stand out there with your team and understand that this is a game and understand that what's going on in the country."

Eagles safety Malcolm Jenkins said: "I have a lot of friends that served [in the military]. My grandfather served. And this is a country that I love. So, me not standing for the national anthem isn't really going to get me the results that I want.''

"I'd rather be doing something in the community [about the situation]. Talking to people that can actually make some change. That's just my approach. But everybody's got their own convictions and everybody has their own opinions.

Miami running back Arian Foster said of Kaepernick's protest: "I don't necessarily see that as a solution to anything. This is me talking. This is Arian talking. If that's what he felt, that's his form of protest, I support his right to protest. Those are his thoughts, his opinions.

"I understand 100% what he's doing. He's frustrated, just like me. He's just like my brother. He's just like my cousins out there. He's frustrated. It's hard seeing people get murdered and killed without repercussions."

Tampa Bay tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins said: "If you live in America, you have the right to express yourself freely. … But I think if he's serious about the problem, he should invest in the black community. He should invest in education. He should invest in Oakland. People have been standing up and saying things, but we need action."